There's a lot of controversies that surround the SF community but thankfully, there are also times when they're simply awesome. Here's the latest update on Help Vera! In addition, that community is also a great place to score some cheap but terrific gifts (whether for yourself or for other people).

Just a reminder, Clarion Writers' Workshop UC San Diego will start accepting applicants on January 2. They got some of the most talented instructors: are Holly Black, Larissa Lai, Robert Crais, Kim Stanley Robinson, Elizabeth Hand, and Paul Park.

Here's a questionnaire publishers might send to authors (especially with regards to marketing).